For 44 years, the soda ash industry has invited key suppliers, including shipping and logistics companies like UPDS, to join the Soda Ash Open Golf Tournament. This year, UPDS sales team members Krystal Newell and Keith Lee were in attendance and enjoyed time on the greens as well as the Shipper’s Appreciation Steak Fry.

But the trip was about more than recreation; Krystal and Keith also took the time to learn more about how we can provide the best transportation solutions for soda ash producers.

Krystal Newell, UPDS Sr. Business Development Manager and winner of the Women's Longest Drive pin prize.

To do so, they joined leaders from our parent company, Union Pacific Railroad, for a service review, which included:

A “State of the Railroad" address by Kari Kirchhoefer, vice president and general manager – Chemicals at Union Pacific.

A service update by the senior manager of track operations at Union Pacific’s Green River Yard, which is located near the origin of most soda ash production.

An update from the mechanical department on how Union Pacific and our customers can collaborate to maximize equipment efficiencies.

Ultimately, all of the 44th Annual Soda Ash Open events allowed us to grow our relationships with soda ash producers and develop a greater understanding of their businesses — both of which help us provide better transportation and logistics solutions for this important industry.

Beyond the valuable learning and networking opportunities, Krystal had one more great takeaway: the pin prize for Women’s Longest Drive!

Want to learn more about how we can provide solutions for your industry?